To Rule in Kansas City

[Coach Owens]

Getting 70 wins is going to be really tough if the best ERA on your staff is 4.04.

--Pet

Hey, the Mariners won 88 games with their best starter having an ERA of 3.92!

[CatKnight]

petrel: I think 70 wins is unrealistic after this last bout.

Coach Owens: Yeah, but I bet their fielders didn't suck. I'm starting to wonder if I'm managing the Nine Stooges!
*******

Late August 1970

Collusion.

That's the rumor for why Bowie Kuhn struck hard at all four division leaders from last year. I don't know the details. Gary won't answer questions, and Oriole GM Bill Worth angrily denies any wrong doing, but apparently Bowie believes it and put together one of his more dogmatic 'executive orders.'

In order to restore a 'level playing field' Kuhn ordered one prospect transferred from each of the leaders to each of the four weakest clubs. It seems...severe. Especially since no one will tell me what they're even accused of colluding about. The Player's Union is uncharacteristically quiet on the matter.

San Francisco gave SP Jim Barr (72/89) [22] to San Diego. He's now in B-ball.
Baltimore gave up SP Mike Flanagan (71/91) [18]. Montreal put him in D-ball.
St. Louis gave Seattle C Ted Simmons (84/96) [21]. He's in B-ball.
Finally Oakland gave Cleveland SS Phil Garner (67/90) [21] who's now in C-ball.

More than a few owners and GMs are worried Kuhn might be trying TOO hard to maintain order and sees himself as another Keensaw Mountain Landis. First he threatened Curt Flood with expulsion, and now this.

(I think I finally figured out what I need to do to keep the league competitive over time. Unfortunately I didn't do it in 69-70, and tests indicated that even this one year is in danger of putting my game in a huge rut where Oakland, Baltimore and San Francisco always win, while Cleveland and the other expansion teams never break 60 games. All these players were minor leaguers sufficiently down their 'reserve' lists so it won't hurt them right away, though it might impact their potential a few years down the line. All these players can help the weak ones within a year or two. This is a one time readjustment.)
*******

Washington (64-53) (2nd, -18.5g) at Kansas City (49-68) (5th, -25.5g)

17: A solid victory, with Cardenal, Hart and Oliver ALL going 1 for 3 with a walk and a run. Billy took Splittorff out after six when he began limping. Verdict? Twisted knee, and another two weeks or so out of action. Royals 7-3

18: Rooker gives up 4 ER in 5 IP. Hart goes 2 for 4 with a triple. Senators 5-4

19: We take the lead when two sacrifice bunts bring Lou Piniella home. Blyleven and York combine to keep the Senators pacified. Royals 3-2
*******

As aforementioned, we lose Paul for a little under two weeks. Al Fitzmorris takes his place in the rotation. Now, just to show our schedulers have a sense of humor, we go to Oakland..then Minnesota..then Oakland..then Minnesota.
*******

Kansas City (51-69) (4th, -25g) at Oakland (76-44) (1st, +7.5g)

20: A great pitching duel, but Jim Nash holds us to 3 hits - one a Severson double. Athletics 2-1

21: It's a little sad the Al Fitzmorris finally has a bad performance, giving up 5 ER in 5.2 IP. Oakland holds us to 5 hits, Foy leading the way with a 3-run blast. Athletics 5-4

22: They give up 3 errors and we still lose on indifferent pitching. Foy and Oliver both go 2 for 5, Foy with a double, Oliver with a triple. Athletics 7-3
*******

Yuck.

Seattle and Montreal are the first teams eliminated from contention. Our elimination number is 12.
*******

Kansas City (51-72) (5th, -28g) at Minnesota (64-62) (3rd, -16.5g)

23: We score 5 in the 8th! Then they score 7. Blyleven and York can't get the job done. Twins 10-8

24: A wild see-saw battle. We trailed 7-3 and almost made it back under solid relief pitching. Twins 7-6

25: Uhm...yeah. Fitzmorris' ERA has jumped a whole point in two starts now. Butler and Drago also completely fail. Not to mention our offense. I need aspirin. Twins 12-1
*******

And Rich Severson is now out again! This time for 3 weeks! Once more Duffy comes up to the bench, Concepcion starts. We've lost 6 straight.

Meanwhile, a bomb scare at Milwaukee County Stadium forces an evacuation and delays the start of the Athletic-White Sox game. No bombs are found, and when play finally begins Oakland beats Chicago 11-7.
******

Kansas City (51-75) (5th, -31g) at Oakland (82-44) (1st, +11.5g)

26: With the game tied at 6 in the 13th, Rico homers to give us the lead. Then Reggie Jackson doubles in Bobby Brooks to tie it. Two innings later Rico singles home Concepcion to reestablish our lead. Rick Monday retaliates with a 2 RBI triple to win. Athletics 9-8 (15)

27: I don't want to talk about it. Two errors, and they didn't even have anything to do with the score - it was just icing on the cake. Rick Monday had another 5 RBI. Athletics 8-3

28: Jim Ray Hart singles home Cardenal in the ninth to tie it. In the eleventh Hart homers to prevent our third straight sweep. Royals 2-1 (11)
*******

After the game on the 27th I found Billy. He was drunk. As I think I've said before, so long as he's not drunk in the middle of a game I don't care what he does with his offtime, but this time I found him in his office surrounded by a surprising array of pain and stomach medications. Martin was pale and withdrawn.

"I don't think I can handle this roller coaster," he said. "I don't think I'm going to make it through September!" There was an almost desperate timber to his voice I didn't like. "I see us losing again and again! God, man! We have to win once in awhile! The boys are raw, but they're not this raw!"

I don't know what to do. My manager is falling apart under the strain. My bench coach still doesn't think he can do it. I'm not a people person. I don't know what to say.

I found Bob Lemon talking to Paul Splittorff, who should be ready to pitch tomorrow. He looked up and nodded when I beckoned him over. I told him about Billy and he nodded again.

"That fire of his seems to have gone. I don't think it's that he doesn't care anymore... he cares too much, and all these losses are eating him up."

I asked him to help Billy as much as possible and walked through the clubhouse. Grim, unhappy faces looked back.

We need to win 18 of 34 just to hit 70 wins.
*******

Kansas City (52-77) (5th, -32g) at Minnesota (68-64) (3rd, -17.5g)

29: Splittorff returns to the rotation and gets hammered. Minnesota's Jim Perry shuts us out. Meanwhile, we're officially eliminated. Twins 5-0

30: Rooker keeps it together for 6 innings and Fingers picked up his 13th save. We score 2 in the first on a Kelly homer, and Oliver singling in Foy. It's all we need. Royals 2-1

31: 2 errors, 4 Twin runs that wouldn't have happened (due to the inning being over) otherwise. Rico goes 4 for 5, Blyleven has 0 ER in 6 IP. Twins 4-3

[Coach Owens]

Well, you might as well focus on next year. Tank the rest of the year and try to get the #1 pick. There's a few great players who will be in the draft.

[CatKnight]

Coach Owens: I don't think my pride will let me fall THAT low. Montreal and San Diego are barely scraping .300 ball.

You may be right though. I'd really like to pass the Angels and finish 4th, but perhaps it'd be a better idea to let myself stay under Cleveland and take the #4 pick away from them. Hmm.
*******

September 1, 1970

The Americans are pretty much wrapped up as Baltimore and Oakland prepare for a rematch. The Nationals might also be a rematch.

Standings (E = Eliminated, ## = Magic Number)

American League East
Team            W    L    GB   E/#
Baltimore       92   40   --    11
Washington      72   60   20  
NY Yankees      70   62   22
Detroit         65   70   28.5 
Boston          63   72   30.5   E        
Cleveland       52   77   38.5   E

American League West
Team            W    L    GB   E/#
Oakland         87   45   --    16
Chi WSox        75   60   13.5  
Minnesota       70   65   18.5
LA Angels       56   79   32.5   E
Kansas City     53   79   34     E
Seattle         43   89   44     E

National League East
Team            W    L    GB   E/#
St. Louis       83   49   --    30
Philadelphia    80   50    2 
Chi Cubs        69   58   11.5
Pittsburgh      70   62   13
NY Mets         68   61   13.5
Montreal        40   92   43     E

National League West
Team            W    L    GB   E/#
San Francisco   74   58   --    28
Houston         68   61    4.5  
Cincinnati      67   65    7
Atlanta         62   67   10.5
LA Dodgers      61   69   12
San Diego       40   90   33     E

*******

American League Leaders
Average: Roy White (NYY) .353, Tony Olive (MIN) .346
HR: Frank Howard (WAS) 36, Rick Monday (OAK) 35
RBI: Rick Monday (OAK) 122, Frank Howard (WAS) 115
Steals: Ron LeFlore (NYY) 67, Dave Nelson (CLE) 41

Wins: Dave McNally (BAL) 19, Jim Palmer (BAL) 17
ERA: Joe Coleman (WAS) 2.57, Catfish Hunter (OAK) 2.74
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven (KC) 172, Catfish Hunter (OAK) 165
Saves: Bob Locker (CHW) 20, Dick Hall (BAL) 19

National League Leaders
Average: Matty Alou (PIT) .351, Felix Millan (ATL) .333
HR: Lee May (CIN) 38, Johnny Bench (CIN) 37
RBI: Lee May (CIN) 114, Billy Williams (CHC) 111
Steals: Lou Brock (STL) 56, Bobby Bonds (SF) 35

Wins: Juan Marichal (SF) 15, Two tied with 14
ERA: Bob Gibson (STL) 2.21, Juan Marichal (SF) 2.59
Strikeouts: Gaylord Perry (SF) 158, Juan Marichal (SF) 155
Saves: Kent Tekulve (PIT) 18, Tug McGraw (NYM) 17

Kansas City Royals Leaders
Average: Jim Ray Hart .325 (8th-T)
HR: Jim Ray Hart 17
RBI: Jim Ray Hart 86 (9th)
Steals: Jose Cardenal 24 (5th)

Wins: Bert Blyleven 10
ERA: Paul Splittorff 4.16
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven 172 (1st)
Saves: Rollie Fingers 13 (6th-T)
*******

Trades
None
*******

Milestones
3B Brooks Robinson (BAL): 1,000 RBI (.275 18-93 1 this year)
LF Bob Allison (MIN): 300 HR (.275 31-99 2)
*******

Retirements

RP Ron Kline (Age 38) retired after 16 seasons
In 1970 he was 1-0 3.14 1 SV for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Lifetime he finished 119-145 3.65 ERA 44 CG 110 SV
He played for the Pirates (52, 55-59), Cardinals (60), Angels (61), Tigers (61-62), Senators (63-66), Twins (67), and Pirates (68-70)
He was an All Star in 1969

After an injury SP Johnny Podres (Age 37) retired after 15 seasons on 8/31.
He did not play at a Major League level in 1970. (The Giants kept him in A-ball)
Lifetime he finished 151-117 3.74 ERA 78 CG 11 SV
He played for the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers (53-66), Tigers (66-67) and Royals (69)
He was World Series MVP in 1955, and All Star in 1958, 60 and 62

[CatKnight]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
40 MAN ROSTER

CATCHERS
Ellie Rodriguez (Starter) (77/79) (.239 0-29 1)
Buck Martinez (Bench) (71/94) (.286 0-0 0)
Dennis Paepke (Reserve) (71/73) (.146 0-0 5)

FIRST BASE
Will Thompson (Starter) (76/89) (.270 4-15 0)
(Don't worry about the peak. I imagine my scouts are lying again.)
Bob Oliver (Bench) (79/83) (.227 13-57 0)
Mike Fiore (Reserve) (73/76) (.190 1-4 0)
Craig Kusick (Reserve) (68/91) (Minors)

INFIELDERS
Jim Ray Hart (Starter) (87) (.325 17-86 5)
Dave Concepcion (Starter) (79/81) (.291 0-21 3)
Joe Foy (Starter) (82) (.237 6-44 11)
Chico Salmon (Bench) (80) (.302 4-26 5)
Rich Severson (Bench) (80/86) (.256 0-15 1)
Frank White (Reserve) (72/94) (Minors)
Frank Duffy (Reserve) (72/83) (.500 0-0 0)
Junior Kennedy (Reserve) (61/84) (Minors)

OUTFIELDERS
Jose Cardenal (Starter) (88/91) (.306 6-52 24)
Pat Kelly (Starter) (82/93) (.275 12-48 17)
Lou Piniella (Starter) (81) (.293 8-46 0)
Fred Rico (Bench) (72/73) (.297 5-36 8)
Scott Northey (Bench) (75/91) (.258 2-7 3)
George Spriggs (Reserve) (71) (.179 3-13 3)
Joe Keough (Reserve) (70/80) (Minors)
Al Cowens (Reserve) (60/91) (Minors)

PITCHERS
Al Fitzmorris (Starter) (81/90) (1-3 2.58 1 CG 1 SV)
Paul Splittorff (Starter) (89/94) (7-10 4.16 3 CG)
Bert Blyleven (Starter) (87/94) (10-18 4.44 3 CG)
Wally Bunker (Starter) (87/91) (7-14 4.54 2 CG)
Bill Butler (Spot) (81/90) (1-1 6.33 0)
Rollie Fingers (Closer) (82/84) (7-6 2.91 13 SV)
Jim York (Reliever) (82/88) (4-3 3.15 6 SV)
Ken Wright (Reliever) (83/87) (7-6 4.04 4 SV)
Mike Hedlund (Reliever) (79/86) (1-1 4.44 1 SV)
Dick Drago (Reliever) (79/92) (2-1 5.67 0)
Jim Rooker (Reliever) (83/88) (7-10 4.64 0)
Steve Busby (Reserve) (74/88) (0-0 0.00 0)
Jerry Cram (Reserve) (72/93) (Minors)
Aurelio Lopez (Reserve) (67/81) (Minors)
Doug Bird (Reserve) (69/87) (Minors)
Monty Montgomery (Reserve) (69/80) (Minors)
Norm Angelini (Reserve) (66/79) (Minors)

[Coach Owens]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
40 MAN ROSTER

CATCHERS
Ellie Rodriguez (Starter) (77/79) (.239 0-29 1)
Buck Martinez (Bench) (71/94) (.286 0-0 0)
Dennis Paepke (Reserve) (71/73) (.146 0-0 5)

FIRST BASE
Will Thompson (Starter) (76/89) (.270 4-15 0)
(Don't worry about the peak. I imagine my scouts are lying again.)
Bob Oliver (Bench) (79/83) (.227 13-57 0)
Mike Fiore (Reserve) (73/76) (.190 1-4 0)
Craig Kusick (Reserve) (68/91) (Minors)

INFIELDERS
Jim Ray Hart (Starter) (87) (.325 17-86 5)
Dave Concepcion (Starter) (79/81) (.291 0-21 3)
Joe Foy (Starter) (82) (.237 6-44 11)
Chico Salmon (Bench) (80) (.302 4-26 5)
Rich Severson (Bench) (80/86) (.256 0-15 1)
Frank White (Reserve) (72/94) (Minors)
Frank Duffy (Reserve) (72/83) (.500 0-0 0)
Junior Kennedy (Reserve) (61/84) (Minors)

OUTFIELDERS
Jose Cardenal (Starter) (88/91) (.306 6-52 24)
Pat Kelly (Starter) (82/93) (.275 12-48 17)
Lou Piniella (Starter) (81) (.293 8-46 0)
Fred Rico (Bench) (72/73) (.297 5-36 8)
Scott Northey (Bench) (75/91) (.258 2-7 3)
George Spriggs (Reserve) (71) (.179 3-13 3)
Joe Keough (Reserve) (70/80) (Minors)
Al Cowens (Reserve) (60/91) (Minors)

PITCHERS
Al Fitzmorris (Starter) (81/90) (1-3 2.58 1 CG 1 SV)
Paul Splittorff (Starter) (89/94) (7-10 4.16 3 CG)
Bert Blyleven (Starter) (87/94) (10-18 4.44 3 CG)
Wally Bunker (Starter) (87/91) (7-14 4.54 2 CG)
Bill Butler (Spot) (81/90) (1-1 6.33 0)
Rollie Fingers (Closer) (82/84) (7-6 2.91 13 SV)
Jim York (Reliever) (82/88) (4-3 3.15 6 SV)
Ken Wright (Reliever) (83/87) (7-6 4.04 4 SV)
Mike Hedlund (Reliever) (79/86) (1-1 4.44 1 SV)
Dick Drago (Reliever) (79/92) (2-1 5.67 0)
Jim Rooker (Reliever) (83/88) (7-10 4.64 0)
Steve Busby (Reserve) (74/88) (0-0 0.00 0)
Jerry Cram (Reserve) (72/93) (Minors)
Aurelio Lopez (Reserve) (67/81) (Minors)
Doug Bird (Reserve) (69/87) (Minors)
Monty Montgomery (Reserve) (69/80) (Minors)
Norm Angelini (Reserve) (66/79) (Minors)

If your scouts aren't "lying", will you tweak it?

[CatKnight]

Coach Owens: I checked. The scouts ARE off. I was worried as the Finance page said my farm system had dropped to B- despite being the top spender in the league, but nope, that was wrong too. In Commissioner mode I have an A+ farm system.

I will say, though, Thompson's having a terrible September... .143 with 2 RBI between 9/3 and 9/15. He needs to step it up if he plans to start next year.
*******

Early September 1970

Chuck Finley, August Busch, Horace Stoneham and Baltimore's Jerold Hoffberger have launched a more or less coordinated assault on the Office of the Commissioner. They assert that Kuhn grossly overstepped his bounds by penalizing them last month without bringing his allegations before the other owners. They say he also dealt ineffectively with Curt Flood since the courts want us to adjust the Reserve Clause, that he bowed to the Union in guaranteeing a raise in minimum wage by 9% per year for the next two, and the growing 'rebellious' behavior of the players including Jim Bouton's book.

Exactly what they plan to do about it (or hope to accomplish) remains to be seen. It seems likely the owners will vote on whether to maintain Bowie as Commissioner or force him out. There's even one rumor about that some will call for an end to the Office. After all, the American and National Leagues survived before Keensaw Mountain Landis. Perhaps they can do so again.

I tried calling Johnny Podres. As promised last year, I wanted him to be my pitching coach... which would let Bob Lemon focus on his bench coach duties. "We'll honor the rest of your Giant contract," I said, "with a three year option to extend."

He chuckled. "The Giants docs say I have a fractured wrist. Little good I could do them right now, Mr. Hunter. We can talk again after the season."

Speaking of which, I changed my mind about our lineups a little. A few of my advisors think I should 'tank' and jockey for draft position. Well...even if I could stomach it, I don't see Ewing or Billy letting me get away with it. What I think would be a good idea however, is to give some of our up and coming people more playing time to give them a taste of the Bigs.

2B Frank White and OF Scott Northey move into starting roles, replacing Foy and Piniella. Jerry Cram goes to relief, Steve Busby to long relief and Bill Butler to starter as Jim Rooker and Jim York stay in reserve.

I think the Kansas City Star knows what I'm up to, as this time there's no call for my head. Last year we had our 'race' with the other expansion teams to keep people excited. This year we're 10 games ahead of all of them. If we have a race, it's with the Angels for 4th...and that hasn't really grabbed Kansas City's imagination. Maybe next year.
*******

Los Angeles (56-79) (4th, -32.5g) at Kansas City (53-79) (5th, -34g)

1: Blyleven gives up 8 runs, 3 earned. LA's Willie Crawford hits a grand slam. Angels 9-2

2: Fitzmorris gives up 5 runs in 2 IP, making the Morehead trade look downright stupid. Not that our relievers are any better. Hart's 18th homer is an afterthought. Angels 9-4

3: At least this time we weren't completely humiliated. Hart hits # 19 for our only run. Angels 4-1
*******

There are some who believe that September ball, at least for non-contending teams, is a good look at their future since they're using younger players and testing future lineups. If this is our future, we are in SERIOUS trouble.

This next series is going to hurt.
*******

Baltimore (92-43) (1st, +19g) at Kansas City (53-82) (5th, -36g)

4: Actually a pretty good game. We take a 3-0 lead, lose it, and almost get it back. Almost. Blyleven did well before losing it in the 7th. Not sure why he pitched on short rest. Maybe because he was killed so badly on the 1st. Orioles 5-4

5: Hart gets two triples in five at bats for two RBI. All in vain. The suffering continues. Orioles 8-4

6: We attempt a late inning comeback, but again it's too little too late. Cardenal's 1 for 2, 3 walk performance is the highlight. Orioles 5-3
*******

Frank Robinson's two run homer in the seventh kills us on September 4. The problem is...I think it might have been foul. The umpires say it hit the pole. Billy agreed with me, because he charged the first base ump and there was a horrible argument. After the game Cronin called and asked me to keep my dog on its leash. At least Billy's showing some passion again. I was really worried about him.

Now I'm just worried about the future. We suck. We really, really suck...
*******

Chicago (79-62) (2nd, -12.5g) at Kansas City (53-85) (5th, -37g)

8: We snap our seven game losing streak when Thompson hits a 2 RBI double in the seventh to give us the lead and game. Splittorff gives up only 2 runs in 7 IP despite giving up 11 hits. Cardenal goes 3 for 4 with an RBI and SB. Royals 3-2

9: 3 errors and a sputtering offense sorta recaps our season nicely. Chicago's Sandy Alomar stole four bases. White Sox 4-1

10: Once more our offense sputters. At least this time starter Bill Butler holds his own. White Sox 3-1
*******

Kuhn suspended Dodger RP Pete Mikkelsen. He was first suspended at the beginning of the year for bookmaking. Now apparently he carried a gun into Dodger Stadium for reasons unknown. Card GM Gary Gregg tells me that Peter O'Malley of LA has joined the "Coalition of the Willing" against Bowie Kuhn.

Meanwhile, The Baltimore Orioles are 1970 AL East Champions!

The freaking Pilots have gained 3.5 games on us since the 1st.
*******

Kansas City (54-87) (5th, -38g) at Detroit (75-72) (4th, -26g)

13: Despite giving up more ______ errors, Oliver PH for Thompson and hits a homer to give us the win. Royals 5-3

14: You know something's wrong when two straight wins is cause for celebration. Splittorff gives up 2 ER in 8 IP, Cardenal goes 2 for 5 with 3 RBI, Martinez and Splittorff get 2 of their own. Royals 7-2

15: Tiger Denny McLain and Blyleven both pitch complete games giving up 6 hits. 2 of the Tiger hits are homers however, whereas we hit all singles. Tigers 3-1
*******

In Chicago, only 791 people showed up on Tuesday the 15th to watch them lose to the Angels 3-1. An emotional Bud Selig announced that if the Windy City couldn't be bothered to support his team, then as far as he was concerned they could all "Go to _____!" In complete defiance of AL President Joe Cronin (or at least AL schedule makers and our previous agreement) he's moved the last home games to Milwaukee.

This year's Winter Meetings promise to be FUN.
*******

Team          W    L    GB
Oakland      96   50    --
Chicago      83   66    14.5
Minnesota    76   76    23    ELIM
Los Angeles  63   87    35    ELIM
Kansas City  56   88    39    ELIM
Seattle      50   96    46    ELIM

AL East: Baltimore (100-45)
NL East: St, Louis (88-55), Philadelphia (-1.5g), Pittsburgh (-8.5g)
NL West: San Francisco (85-64), Houston (-3g), Cincinnati (-10.5g)

Team Leaders:

AVG: Jim Ray Hart (.319)
HR:  Jim Ray Hart (19)
RBI: Jim Ray Hart (89)
SB:  Jose Cardenal (26)

W:   Bert Blyleven (10)
ERA: Paul Splittorff (4.01)
K:   Bert Blyleven (189)
SV:  Rollie Fingers (14)

[Overbay17]

Wow...three errors, four errors, is this team just historically bad defensively or something?

[CatKnight]

Overbay: I'm starting to think so. In Early September we out-errored the opposition 13-3. Our defense has always been in the lower echelon of the AL, but now it's fallen to .977 .... twelfth by four points.

It would be true to say I pay more attention to offensive numbers than defensive as a rule. I've never payed for it quite as much as with these Royals.
*******

Late September-October 1970

There are eighteen games left in the season: We host the 'Sox for three, then visit Minnesota for three more. Then I'm pulling out what guns we do have: All our starters and best players. No more experimenting with future lineups.

Why bother, you may ask? Well, of those last twelve games, nine are at home. I want to give the people something to cheer about since our last home stand was so terrible. Oh, and those nine home games are against who I want to make our rivals: the Seattle Pilots.

Cronin threatened to forfeit the last three White Sox home games if they weren't played in Chicago. With the 'Sox only mathematically still in the race with Oakland, it wasn't much of a threat...and anyway Charlie Finley announced that he didn't want "free wins."

Attendance through the American League is down sharply. I imagine it's because we are almost certain who will be in the ALCS, and these games are mere throwaways. Wasn't changing to a divisional format supposed to prevent this? If we were still all one league, Oakland would be four games out and we'd have a real pennant race. Maybe this whole divisional thing needs to be looked at...though with twelve teams in each league now, having only one advance is rough.

Billy Martin's not well. He recovered a little when he fought umpires during the Angels series, but these losses are really taking their toll on him. That's another reason I'd rather cream the Pilots - just to end the year on a positive note.
*******

Boston (72-78) (5th, -30.5g) at Kansas City (56-88) (5th, -39g)

18: We led 4-0 for most of the game, but Fitzmorris struggled late. Wright gave up a bases loaded walk in the ninth to put them up 6-4. Kusick and Cardenal hit back to back doubles, but Thompson struck out to end it. Red Sox 6-5

19: Frank White goes 2 for 3 with an RBI...but that's half of our hits as Boston's Jim Lonborg gets a complete game. Splittorff isn't nearly as lucky. About the best I can say is this is our third straight game without an error. Red Sox 5-1

20: Rooker puts together solid numbers. Hart goes 3 for 3 with a double, homer, walk, 3 runs and an RBI. Royals 4-2
*******

Other than our defensive actually performing coherently, there's little to like about that series. Now one more visit to Minnesota, then home.

As it turns out, Oakland swept Chicago at home..er...Milwaukee, so The Oakland Athletics are 1970 AL West Champions
*******

Kansas City (57-90) (5th, -39g) at Minnesota (77-76) (3rd, -22g)

21: We tie it in the ninth on a sacrifice bunt by Rich Severson. Then Carew hits a sac bunt of his own to win it for the Twins. Twins 3-2

22: Another close game, we narrow the gap to one run in the eighth on a Cardenal single. We just can't quite tie the game. Hart went 3 for 4 with an RBI. Twins 4-3

23: This time we actually manage to tie it in the eighth before Ken Wright loses his second straight game. (He lost on the 21st) Twins 6-5
*******

We get a final two days off before the final push. In the National League, St. Louis has opened up a 2.5 game lead on Philadelphia, while San Francisco leads Houston by 0.5 games.
*******

Seattle (52-101) (6th, -47.5g) at Kansas City (57-93) (5th, -41g)

26: Blyleven gave up one run on the first, and that was it as he pitched eight solid innings. We had trouble getting people across the plate, though Concepcion scored twice going 1 for 2 with 2 walks and an RBI. Royals 3-1

27: More solid pitching as Wright uhm...rights himself. Concepcion, Cardenal and Oliver all get 2 RBI, with Concepcion getting his first career HR. Royals 7-3

28: Ugh. Seattle goes through three pitchers, we go through five with a particularly ugly performance by Wright (0.2 IP 6 ER). Concepcion and Rodriguez both get 3 hits, Kelly, Cardenal and Rodriguez add 2 RBIs in a slugfest. Pilot Ted Simmons goes 5 for 6 with 4 runs and 2 RBI. Pilots 14-9
*******

Ted Simmons. As you'll recall, he was forcibly moved to Seattle by the Commissioner after he accused the Cards of wrong doing back in August. I remember Simmons from my time with the Cards: Never spoke with him, but he's going to be a great catcher one day. I kept wanting to move him to A-ball, but Gary always thought Simmons could use a little more seasoning. It feels REALLY strange seeing him in a Pilot uniform...him and Curt Flood.

The Cards have a 4 game lead on Philly and a magic number of 4 with 9 games left.

Houston leads the Giants by 0.5 games. Their number is 7 with 8 games left.
*******

Seattle (53-103) (6th, -48.5g) at Kansas City (59-94) (5th, -41g)

29: Fitzmorris couldn't escape the third and we trailed 5-2. Some great offense led by Hart (3 for 5, 2 runs, 2 RBI) let us tie the game, but Jim York lost it. Pilots 8-6

30: Blyleven's first inning struggles cost him this time as we're held to five hits (two by Hart.) We escape September having gone 6-17 (.261) - our second worst performance. Pilots 4-2

10/1: We fall behind 4-0. Hedlund takes over for Wally Bunker and shuts them down as our slow comeback begins. Kelly, Piniella and Cardenal each get 2 RBI, and Concepcion gets 3 hits. Royals 8-4
*******

Supposedly Seattle's the worst team in the AL, and the best we can do is split series with them? Billy's not the only one who needs stomach medicine. If I don't want to lose 100 games (and I really don't...) we must win 3 of these last 6.

The St. Louis Cardinals are 1970 NL East Champions

In the NL West, Houston leads by 0.5g with 6 games left. Their magic number is 4.

In interesting developments, the AL East champion Orioles have won only 2 of their last 8. The Twins are on a 10 game winning streak. Both too late, of course.
*******

Kansas City (60-96) (5th, -41.5g) at Boston (78-81) (5th, -25g)

2: We get an early lead thanks to Joe Foy's 2 run homer, his 7th of the year. Splittorff pitches 8 very strong innings and Fingers gets the save. Royals 5-2

3: A 10th inning error by Chico Salmon guarantees that we will finish with a worse record than last year. Red Sox 5-4 (10)

4: Tied 2-2 in the ninth, BoSox's George Scott hits a grand slam off of Jim Rooker to end the game. ALL their runs scored on homers. Red Sox 6-2
*******

In a slight change of pace from last year, The Houston Astros are 1970 NL West Champions

We are 61-98 with three games left. We need to win two, or we'll be 100 game losers. I'm going to have enough trouble with Ewing in the off season for not doing as well as last year... triple digits might send him over the edge entirely.

[petrel]

What the **** is wrong with Bud Selig? It looks like half of the city of Chicago has risen in rebellion.

I really hope that you can win 100 games, because God knows what restrictions you'll face if you don't. Either that, or the next post will be "To Rule in (Some Place Other Than Kansas City)".

--Pet

[CatKnight]

October 1970

"Hello, Chuck. It's Ewing Kauffman. How was the flight?"

We'd landed in Kansas City just after dawn. Fortunately tonight's game didn't start until 7:00 and players weren't due until 4. I glanced at my alarm: 10 AM. Groan.

"Fine, Mr. Kauffman. Thank you."

"Good. I wanted to tell you that I'll need the owner's box at Municipal for these last three games. Naturally you're welcome to sit anywhere else you like."

I yawned. Kauffman didn't assert his rights to the owner's box often, but it wasn't unheard of. Further, we reserved one of the guest boxes for opposing officials, and it so happened Kevin Calahan was in town. "I understand."

"Good. I'll have your secretary make arrangements. Further, I'll have her schedule an appointment for October 8. I think we need to discuss your contract."

A chill ran down my spine banishing all thoughts of sleep. "Alright."
*******

"...and he also asked her for Richie's scouting reports on our own team. Where they're strong, where they need work..." I sipped a beer while watching the announcer on the field below. He was busy congratulating Billy on another great(!?) season and the fans for their continued support. All 8,700 of them.

"Don't read too much into it," Kevin said, leaning back. "You should be happy to have an owner who takes such interest in the team. Boeing sends officials by now and then to go over our books or ask if I need anything, then they go away. There's an advisor I can call if I want a second opinion, but...eh." He folded his arms and glared at the field. "I wouldn't mind someone looking over my shoulder and telling me what I did wrong."

"It's not your fault Flood and Bouton blew up your clubhouse."

"Especially Jim. Curt blew off all the ____ he said about us to rhetoric and for the most part everyone's forgiven him. They feel Jim betrayed their trust though. ****, Dave Bristol had to break up a fight between him and Tommy Harper just week before last! Jim's already been on the DL twice this year, and I'm not sure some of my players didn't put him there."

"Why don't you release him then? Trade him?"

"I'm thinking about it. The problem is, despite all that, until Marty Pattin comes off the DL after next year's All Star Break....Jim's the best pitcher I have."

I nodded. "Well, that's one thing I have. My clubhouse is usually pretty quiet, though I think my manager's going to have a stroke if we keep losing like this."

"Kauffman probably just wants to look things over with you," Kevin replied. He's nervous. If he starts blaming you, remind him that all the expansion teams lost bad. We all lost ground from last year except San Diego, and that's because they went from 46 wins to 48. Rumor is Chub Feeney's ready to find them new owners, and he's not picky where."
*******

October 5

We started with Wally Bunker, who gave up a single to Curt Flood in the first but otherwise escaped. Seattle's Bill Parson wouldn't be so likely. Jose Cardenal reached on an error, then went to third on Dave Concepcion's single. Dave then stole second. Kelly flew out, then so did Jim Ray Hart. Cardenal decided it was now or never, took off, and scored standing. Bob Oliver then slapped a single through to score Concepcion. Ellie Rodriguez also got on base, but Chico Salmon grounded out to finally end the first. Royals 2-0

After another top half marred only by a single, Cardenal hit a two-out triple to deep right field. Seeing the 'fielder having trouble with the ball, he sprinted home for an inside the park homer! Royals 3-0

This time Seattle put two men on base (Tommy Harper and Tito Fuentes). Then Hart opened the bottom of the third with a double. He advanced when Oliver got on base thanks to an error by the second baseman (Seattle's second.) Two outs later Piniella singled, scoring Hart. Royals 4-0

They fell in order in the fourth. We managed a single...and three strikeouts. In the fifth Seattle finally scored when Don Mincher (PH for Parsons) walked, Harper followed, and Fuentes singled. Royals 4-1

Wayne Twitchell pitched the Royal 5th. Salmon tripled, then Piniella singled. Royals 5-1

Bunker yielded a double (Greg Goosen) in the sixth. In our half Kelly singled, then Hart jumped away from a ball well inside, managed to bring his bat around anyway, and dropped a blooper just over the left field wall. Royals 7-1

Mike Hegan singled with one out in the Pilot seventh, and with two outs Fuentes walked. All to no avail. Jerry Bell pitched the Royal seventh and gave up a single to Piniella. We only allowed a walk in the eighth, while Bell didn't even give up that much.

Then Mike Hedlund came in to finish the Pilots off. Jack Lind singled, then Steve Hovley (PH for Bell) singled as well. Tommy Harper hit the third consecutive single (scoring Lind), then Fuentes the fourth (scoring Howley.) That's when Billy Martin SPRINTED to the mound. I have no idea what was said, though given the way he kept sticking his finger in Hedlund's face he wasn't asking for tax advice. Rodriguez and the home plate ump ran out before things could get worse.

Once order was restored Curt Flood walked to load the bases ... then the youthful Ted Simmons strode to the plate. I flinched. This was precisely the kind of situation Simmons likes - stressful, with the game on the line. He struck out. Then Goosen followed. Rich Rollins hit a 2-1 fastball to deep center field...into Cardenal's waiting glove.

Kansas City Royals 7, Seattle Pilots 3
*******

It was during game two that I dropped by the owner's box. I'd just learned from Bob Lemon that the team planned a celebration after tomorrow's game, regardless of what happened, and I was, of course, invited. I thought it a courtesy to invite Ewing at all since he would already be at the stadium.

I knocked and opened the door to find Kauffman sitting next to a man in his mid-twenties with long (too long), straight brown hair dressed in a sportcoat at least a size too big. No tie. He leapt to his feet as if caught in wrongdoing, while Ewing smoothly turned. Behind them, on the table overlooking the field, I could see our scouting and roster reports laid out.

I must have gaped. I certainly didn't speak, nor did the stranger. Ewing stood and smiled. "Yes, Chuck?"

"Uhm...yes." I turned towards him. "Bob Lemon says the team's having a party after tomorrow's game. Would you like to come?"

"It seems strange to celebrate, Chuck. Unless they're just happy it's over."

"I'd think it's always good to end a season on a happy note," the stranger offered. I took a closer look at him. He wore a necklace with a silver peace symbol snug against his throat. Christ.

"Oh, I forget. Chuck Hunter? This is Andrew Kraft, the son of one of my shareholders in Marion Pharmaceuticals. Andy? Chuck is my present general manager."

A slight emphasis on 'present' sent another unpleasant ripple down my spine. "Mr. Kraft, it's good to meet you."

"Call me Andy!" he grinned. "I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Hunter."

"Well, you can't believe everything he tells you." Andy laughed. Ewing didn't. We managed a few more minutes of polite conversation before I returned to the relative refuge of Kevin's guest box. Kauffman wouldn't be coming to any party. Suddenly I didn't feel like going either.
*******

October 6

Paul Splittorff started for us. Similar to last game, he gave up a quick single to Tommy Harper, but escaped unscathed. Concepcion doubled off the Pilots' pariah, Jim Bouton, and scored on Fred Rico's single. Royals 1-0

Bernie Smith singled with two outs in the second, but again Seattle didn't score. Again we did: Salmon singled, went to third on Piniella's hit, and home on Jose Cardenal's double. Royals 2-0

They fell in order in the third. Hart walked, but couldn't advance. Ted Simmons singled with one out in the Pilot fourth, but Mincher's double play grounder ended that. Salmon tripled to start our forth, then came home on a Splittorff sacrifice fly. Royals 3-0

Finally Seattle threatened: Rich Rollins walked, but Bernie Smith grounded to short for the force. Jack Lind walked to put two men on, then Bouton hit a sacrifice bunt to put both in scoring position. Harper grounded out however.

Fred Rico was hit by a curve in the bottom of the fifth. Then Hart singled and Oliver walked to load the bases with one out. Pat Kelly (PH for Rodriguez) hit a sacrifice fly to deep left scoring Rico. Royals 4-0

In the sixth Simmons singled and Mincher walked with two outs, but Rollins struck out to end the inning. Lou Piniella doubled off Pilot RP John Morris, and Cardenal reached first on an error, but Concepcion hit into a double play to end the inning.

In the seventh Lind reached second when SS Concepcion threw a routine grounder over Oliver's head at first, but again we escaped. Reliever Mike Marshall retired us in order.

Tito Fuentes opened the Pilot eighth with a screaming triple. Flood dribbled in front of home plate for the first out, but Fuentes took off with Simmons' grounder. Splittorff could TRY for the plate, or get the certain out at first. He chose the safer course. Mincher grounded out to end the inning. Royals 4-1

Dennis Paepke walked to start the Royal eighth, then advanced on a sacrifice and Piniella's single. Splittorff and Cardenal both grounded out however.

In the bottom half, Splittorff tried for a complete game. He induced Rollins to ground out. Bernie Smith walked, but Lind struck out. Wayne Comer (PH for Marshall) then hit a routine fly to short left.

Kansas City Royals 4, Seattle Pilots 1

(To be continued as we're getting near the &$#(*@^$ 10,000 character limit yet again.)

[CatKnight]

petrel: The 791 attendance figure is historical. The White Sox really had trouble in 1970, and Arthur Allyn would have happily sold to Bud if the league let him. His response is, of course, new and with the (also historical) bomb scare in Milwaukee in August could be a sign of things to come.

As you see I've avoided the dread 100 losses...but I think Ewing's still going to have quite a bit to say about our performance this season.
*******

October 7

So we wouldn't lose 100 games. Good. I'll take psychological victories in lieu of the real thing - at least for this year. Now I just have to figure out what the heck Ewing's doing talking to this Kraft kid. Maybe he's just a visitor, the son of a shareholder like he says...and maybe I'm just being paranoid. Or maybe it's time to figure out which teams might want a slightly experienced GM.

Billy said Bert Blyleven is pushing hard to be our starter for this last game. He is our 'ace,' after all...and I'm sure he'd like a chance to win one more game. He's currently 11-23 - more of a show of our ineptness rather than his.

He'd be pitching on short rest though, and while I might not be here next year...well, let's say having my teenage star throw his arm out wouldn't help my chances anyway. I asked Billy to continue with the normal rotation.

He slightly disobeyed me. Normally Al Fitzmorris would get the last start. Instead, he gave it to Jim Rooker. "Seniority," he later told me. Jim started 24 games, Al only 11.

Rooker then (8-12 4.95 0 CG) would start against Eric Mattingly (2-18 7.30 0). I can't figure Eric out. His record clearly indicates he's horrible, yet whenever he plays us he doesn't do that bad. (Or we do worse.) His last game was on the 29th when he pitched 6 innings and gave up 5 ER against us in a no decision.
*******

Rooker retired the Pilots in order in the first. Mattingly gave up singles to Cardenal and Concepcion and a walk to Pat Kelly to load the bases. Then Jim Ray Hart came to the plate and cracked a liner over the right field fence. This was before the first OUT. Mattingly settled, but we'd done our damage. Royals 4-0

Again Rooker shut them down in the second. Concepcion singled, but he did so in vain. In the third Bernie Smith reached first when 2B Salmon kicked the ball away. Lind hit a double play ball to Concepcion however for two outs. Mattingly broke Rooker's no hitter with a single, but Harper flew out. In the bottom half Hart and Rodriguez singled, but with runners on first and third with one out Salmon lined out and Piniella grounded to first.

Seattle went down quietly in the fourth. Rooker and Cardenal singled to start off our fourth. Concepcion singled to score Rooker, then Kelly loaded the bases. Jim Ray Hart grounded into a double play, but Cardenal crossed the plate on the play. Royals 6-0

Rooker's near perfect control of the Pilots finally cracked when Greg Goosen opened the fifth with a double. Rollins singled to score him, then Bernie Smith hit to put two on. Lind, Wayne Comer (PH for Mattingly) and Harper all failed to reach base. Royals 6-1

In the fifth we imitated the fourth: Rodriguez, Salmon, Piniella and Rooker hit consecutive singles off reliever Gary Waslewski. Cardenal then grounded into a double play which allowed Salmon to come home as well. Royals 8-1

It would be wrong to assume the game was over however, for now Rooker's control failed entirely. Fuentes singled to open the sixth. One out later Simmons hit him over to third, then Rooker threw a wild pitch to bring him home! Greg Goosen singled to score Simmons, then Rollins and Smith got on base as well to load the bases. Lind flew out for out # 2 and Goosen came home. Finally Waslewski popped out. Royals 8-4

Pat Kelly walked and stole second in the Royal sixth, then came home on Rodriguez's double to add to our lead. Royals 9-4

Then, perhaps to placate anyone who wondered why he started Rooker, Billy brought in Al Fitzmorris. I smiled, seeing him. His last few starts weren't that super, but he did great early in the year and I figured the game was as good as over.

Nope.

Flood singled with two outs in the seventh, then came home on Ted Simmons' double. Royals 9-5 In our frame Al Fitzmorris reached on an error by their 3B, then Cardenal singled and Concepcion walked to load the bases with one out. Kelly grounded into a double play. Still, a four run lead should be secure, and when both Pilots and Royals went down in order in the eighth many Royal fans got up to leave.

Mike Hegan (PH for reliever John Morris) doubled to open the Pilot ninth. Tommy Harper then singled up the middle, and Fuentes hit a sacrifice bunt to bring Hegan home. Curt Flood then hit his own shot between second and short for the second Pilot run. Ted Simmons grounded to second putting Flood on second with two outs, then Mincher (PH for Greg Goosen) walked.

This put the tying run on first with two outs, and the winning run at the plate. Still Billy kept Fitzmorris in. He threw a vicious slider that Rollins chopped to Salmon. Salmon threw it underhand to Concepcion at second for the force...the game...the series...and the year.

Kansas City Royals 9, Seattle Pilots 7

END REGULAR SEASON (64-98) (5th, -42g)
*******

Other than Fitzmorris trying to give me a heart attack, the team played very well this series. I'm proud of them. If we could have only played like that a few more times over the year... like say six...we could have reached my goal.

And I wouldn't be having a meeting with Ewing tomorrow to find out whether I still have a job...

[Coach Owens]

Fire Chuck! Fire Chuck!

[CatKnight]

Coach Owens: Yeah yeah yeah.
*******

1970 FINAL STANDINGS

American League East
Team            W    L    GB
Baltimore      103   59   --
Washington      89   73   14
NY Yankees      88   74   15
Detroit         80   82   23   
Boston          80   82   23
Cleveland       64   98   39

American League West
Team            W    L    GB
Oakland        106   56   --
Chi WSox        89   73   17
Minnesota       85   77   21
LA Angels       69   93   37
Kansas City     64   98   42
Seattle         55  107   51

National League East
Team            W    L    GB
St. Louis      101   61   --
Philadelphia    93   69    8 
Pittsburgh      92   70    9
Chi Cubs        87   75   14
NY Mets         84   78   17
Montreal        46  116   55

National League West
Team            W    L    GB
Houston         91   71   --
San Francisco   89   73    2
Atlanta         83   79    8
Cincinnati      82   80    9
Los Angeles     75   87   16
San Diego       49  113   42

*******

American League Leaders
Average: Tony Oliva (MIN) .350, Willie Crawford (LAA) .345
HR: Frank Howard (WAS) 40, Harmon Killebrew (MIN) 39
RBI: Rick Monday (OAK) 141, Frank Howard (WAS) 131
Steals: Ron LeFlore (NYY) 83, Sandy Alomar (CHW) 45

Wins: Dave McNally (BAL) 21, Two tied with 19
ERA: Catfish Hunter (OAK) 2.70, Tommy John (CHW) 2.85
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven (KC) 208, Catfish Hunter (OAK) 195
Saves: Bob Locker (CHW) 27, Phil Hennigan (CLE) 21

National League Leaders
Average: Matty Alou (PIT) .353, Willie Stargell (PIT) .346
HR: Lee May (CIN) 46, Johnny Bench (CIN) 45
RBI: Lee May (CIN) 136, Jimmy Wynn (HOU) 135
Steals: Lou Brock (STL) 69, Bobby Bonds (SF) 40

Wins: Juan Marichal (SF) 22, Jim Bunning (PIT) 21
ERA: Juan Marichal (SF) 2.44, Bob Gibson (STL) 2.80
Strikeouts: Nolan Ryan (NYM) 234, Tom Seaver (NYM) 228
Saves: Kent Tekulve (PIT) 32, Jim Brewer (LAD) 26
* Tekulve's 32 saves ties him for 1st in a single season.

Kansas City Royals Leaders
Average: Jim Ray Hart .328 (4th)
HR: Jim Ray Hart 23
RBI: Jim Ray Hart 104
Steals: Jose Cardenal 28 (6th)

Wins: Bert Blyleven, Paul Splittorff 11
ERA: Paul Splittorff 4.08
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven 208 (1st)
Saves: Rollie Fingers 16 (6th-T)
*******

Records

Record		Career				Career/Active
Batting		Ty Cobb (.366) (05-28)		Hank Aaron (.315) (54-) (T-20th)
						Tony Oliva (.315) (62-) (T-20th)
Home Runs	Babe Ruth (714) (14-35)		Willie Mays (661) (51-) (2nd)
RBI		Babe Ruth (2213) (14-35)	Willie Mays (1885) (51-) (6th)
Stolen Bases	Billy Hamilton (912) (88-01)	Maury Wills (561) (59-) (11th)

Record		Single Season			Single Season/Active
Batting		Nap Lajoie (.426) (01 PHA)	None in Top 25
Home Runs	Roger Maris (61) (61 NYY)	Willie Mays (52) (65 SF) (11th)
RBI		Hack Wilson (191) (30 CHC)	Billy Williams (173) (69 CHC) (7th)
Stolen Bases	Maury Wills (104) (62 LAD)	Maury Wills (104) (62 LAD) (1st)

Record		Career				Career/Active
Wins		Cy Young (511) (90-11)		Jim Bunning (230) (55-)
ERA		Ed Walsh (1.82) (04-17)		Tom Seaver (2.67) (67-) (18th)
Strikeouts	Walter Johnson (3509) (07-27)	Jim Bunning (2920) (55-) (2nd)
Saves		Hoyt Wilhelm (206) (52-69)	Dick Radatz (153) (62-) (4th)

(Drysdale trails Bunning by 1 win and 10 strikeouts)

Record		Single Season			Single Season/Active
Wins		Jack Chesbro (41) (04 NYY)	Denny McLain (31) (68 DET)
ERA		Dutch Leonard (0.96) (14 BOS)	Bob Gibson (1.12) (68 STL) (3rd)
Strikeouts	Sandy Koufax (382) (65 LAD)	Sam McDowell (325) (65 CLE) (4th)
Saves		Jack Aker (32) (65 KCA)		Jack Aker (32) (65 KCA)(T-1st)
		Kent Tekulve (32) (70 PIT)	Kent Tekulve (32) (70 PIT) (T-1st)

*******

Milestones
OF Frank Robinson (BAL): 1,500 RBI (.297 29-127 7)
1B Bill White (SD): 1,000 RBI (.237 7-42 3)
SP Jim Perry (MIN) pitched a NO HITTER vs Oakland on September 15
OF Willie Mays (SF): 2,000 R. (.284 32-103 10)
*******

[CatKnight]

1970 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

St. Louis Cardinals (101-61)

Last Divisional Championship: 1969 (1)
Last League Pennant: 1968 (12)
Last World Championship: 1967 (8)

C: Joe Torre (.305 26-117 0 SB)
1B: Jim Campbell (.272 1-17 1)
2B: Steve Huntz (.249 14-59 1)
3B: Mike Shannon (.262 17-87 3)
SS: Dal Maxvill (.250 0-10 1)
LF: Lou Brock (.311 8-66 69)
CF: Vada Pinson (.313 25-124 25)
RF: Jose Cruz (.288 2-19 10)

S1: Bob Gibson (19-8 2.80 12 CG)
S2: Steve Carlton (14-12 3.32 4)
S3: Mike Torrez (11-11 4.69 3)
CL: Joe Hoerner (6-3 5.17 17 SV)
SU: Ron Willis (6-7 5.02 9)

DL: OF Jim Hicks (until late October)

This is a much healthier Cardinal team than that which fought World Champion San Francisco last year. Gibson has recovered nicely and finished tied for 3rd in wins, and 2nd in ERA.

Torre and Pinson continue to provide much needed power, while Pinson and 1B Ron Allen (.313 16-86 3) can get on base often. Allen starts the NLCS with an injured arm, but should return before it's over. Brock led the NL in stolen bases.
*******

Houston Astros (91-71)

Last Divisional Championship: None
Last League Pennant: None
Last World Championship: None

C: Johnny Edwards (.217 6-50 1 SB)
1B: Rusty Staub (.278 7-54 2)
2B: Joe Morgan (.264 11-67 37)
3B: Damaso Blanco (.227 0-6 1)
SS: Marty Martinez (.276 0-44 1)
LF: Bob Watson (.304 14-78 0)
CF: Jimmy Wynn (.286 40-135 10)
RF: Jimmie Hall (.274 21-92 6)

S1: Larry Dierker (18-7 3.41 7 CG)
S2: Don Wilson (14-10 3.82 5)
S3: J.R. Richard (15-12 4.02 1)
CL: Ken Tatum (4-6 3.89 21 SV)
SU: Jim Ray (4-3 3.70 3)

DL: 3B Doug Rader (until late October), RP Dooley Womack (Out)

The only new team invited to this year's dance made it through solid play inching past the Giants. Losing Rader hurts though, as 3B Blanco just isn't very good. Tatum was one of the best closers in the National finishing fourth in saves.

Wynn's power could make or break Houston's bid to be the first expansion team to win a pennant. He finished fourth in homers, second in RBIs. Morgan finished third in stolen bases.
*******

1970 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Baltimore Orioles (103-59)

Last Divisional Championship: 1969 (1)
Last League Pennant: 1969 (3)
Last World Championship: 1966 (1)

C: Clay Dalrymple (.271 4-42 0 SB)
1B: Boog Powell (.261 25-97 0)
2B: Davey Johnson (.293 11-63 3)
3B: Brooks Robinson (.276 22-114 1)
SS: Mark Belanger (.298 2-38 14)
LF: Frank Robinson (.297 29-127 7)
CF: Paul Blair (.321 15-97 16)
RF: Dave May (.293 27-94 9)

S1: Jim Palmer (19-10 3.70 11 CG)
S2: Dave McNally (21-9 4.14 6)
S3: Mike Cuellar (18-6 3.46 6)
CL: Dick Hall (6-2 1.73 20 SV)
SU: Al Severinsen (6-6 2.87 7)

DL: What's a DL?

Baltimore possibly owns the best 1-2-3 rotation in MLB. McNally was 1st in AL wins, Palmer tied for 2nd, Cuellar tied for 4th. Cuellar had the 4th best ERA and was 5th in strikeouts. On the rare occasions they faltered, Hall mastered the opposition tied for 3rd in saves.

They have a power oriented offense, with Powell and the Robinson "brothers" dominating run production. Frank finished third in RBIs for the AL.
*******

Oakland Athletics (106-56)

Last Divisional Championship: 1969 (1)
Last League Pennant: 1931 (9) (as Philadelphia Athletics)
Last World Championship: 1930 (5) (as Philadelphia Athletics)

C: Gene Tenace (.234 19-72 2 SB)
1B: Rich Reese (.347 7-47 1)
2B: John Donaldson (.174 0-10 0)
3B: Sal Bando (.289 29-105 7)
SS: Bert Campaneris (.250 7-48 34)
LF: Bobby Brooks (.266 9-40 2)
CF: Rick Monday (.326 38-141 8)
RF: George Hendrick (.274 5-24 0)

S1: Catfish Hunter (19-9 2.70 12 CG)
S2: Chuck Dobson (10-1 3.29 2)
S3: Jim Nash (12-7 4.90 3)
CL: Paul Lindblad (5-2 3.18 15 SV)
SU: Carroll Sembera (10-5 3.28 5)

DL: IF Gary Sutherland (late October)

With the addition of RF Reggie Jackson (.305 37-125 7) who should return early in the ALCS, Oakland's also at or near full strength. Hunter may be the single most dangerous pitcher in the AL, finishing tied for 2nd in wins, 1st in ERA and 2nd in strikeouts. The rest of the A's rotation has (for now) recovered from two years of on-again off-again injury/

Oakland's offense has even more power than Baltimores: Monday and Jackson finished 3-4 in home runs, and 1-4 in RBIs. Campaneris seems off his game as far as steals, but his 34 are still good enough for 4th in the AL.